Black stars of Django Unchained in Oscar 'snub'

MISSED OUT: "There were high hopes that Jackson (pictured) would score only his second ever nomination for his unforgettable performance as Stephen, the self-hating house slave," wrote The Grio

THE BLACK stars of controversial slavery-themed blockbuster Django Unchained, were overlooked at this morning's Oscar nominations.

Although the Quentin Tarantino feature film and actor Christoph Waltz received a coveted nod, the film's black stars, which include Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington and Samuel L. Jackson, failed to make the cut.

NBC's sister website, theGrio, wrote: "While Foxx and Washington were considered huge long shots in their potential categories (lead actor, supporting), there were high hopes that Jackson would score only his second ever nomination for his unforgettable performance as Stephen, the self-hating house slave.

"Oscar fans and prognosticators might see the very public criticism of the film as a factor in the failure of the movie to gain more of a foothold with the older-skewing academy."

Leonardo DiCaprio, who has been nominated several times but never won, was overlooked for best supporting actor.

In an earlier video interview with website, Foxx spoke candidly about how Hollywood often is quick to neglect the quality work of black actors.

He said: “A lot of times we’re not nominated when we do honorable work. Because with the slave she [Washington] plays there is dignity in everything she played,” Foxx said. “It wasn’t subservient; she wasn’t giving up to anything. So a lot of times they do overlook that, they may not want to reward that.”

The film itself has had its fair share of criticism since news of its release was made public.

Celebrated filmmaker Spike Lee said he would boycott Django Unchained because it is "disrespectful."

"American Slavery Was Not A Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western. It Was A Holocaust. My Ancestors Are Slaves. Stolen From Africa. I Will Honor Them," Lee wrote on Twitter.

"All I'm going to say is that it's disrespectful to my ancestors to see that film. That's the only thing I'm gonna say," he explained. "I can't disrespect my ancestors. I can't do it. Now, that's me. I'm not speaking on behalf of anybody but myself. I can't do it," he added.

Denzel Washington did, however, score his fourth best actor nomination for his role in Flight.